United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1978
Safe Banking Act - Title I: Supervisory Authority Over Depository Institutions - Creates civil penalties for specified insider's loans and loans to affiliates prohibited by the Federal Reserve Act, for violations of reserve requirements relating to one borrower loan limits. Amends the Federal Reserve Act to prohibit member banks from making loans to insiders under specified conditions. Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to authorize the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to order the termination of control or ownership by a bank holding company of any of its nonbank subsidiaries whenever they constitute a serious risk to financial safety of a subsidiary bank of the holding company. Amends the National Housing Act by authorizing the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation to order the termination of ownership or control of any noninsured subsidiary by a savings and loan holding company whenever there is reasonable cause to believe that continued ownership constitutes unsafe and inconsistent banking practice. Grants authority to the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation to make loans to a savings and loan association in order that it may buy the assets of a failing savings and loan institution so as to prevent the failure of such institution. Prescribes penalties for the violation of any provision of this Title. Authorizes financial regulatory agencies, including the National Credit Union Administration and the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, to initiate cease and desist actions against officers, directors, stockholders, or any person participating in the affairs of a financial institution (as well as against the institution itself as is allowed by current law) when there have been violations of laws and regulations or unsafe and unsound banking practices which are likely to seriously weaken the condition of the institution in question. Sets forth a procedure to be followed for removal of any officer or director for breach of fiduciary duty. Increases the allowable mortgage and education loans to executive officers of banks. Creates a hearing process for removal of a bank officer or director based on an indictment for or conviction of a felony. Title II: Interlocking Directors - Depository Institution Management Interlocking Act - Prohibits interlocking management and director relations between any depository institutions or depository holding companies located in the same metropolitan area. States that this prohibition applies without regard to geographical limits where such an institution has assets exceeding $1,000,000,000 and seeks an interlocking relationship with any institution with assets over $500,000,000. Delegates authority for the enforcement of this Act. Title III: Foreign Branching - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to prohibit any State nonmember insured bank from operating any foreign branch without prior written consent of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). States that when the liabilities of an insured bank for deposits are assumed by another insured bank the following shall occur: (1) the insured status of the bank whose liabilities are assumed shall terminate on the date of receipt by the FDIC of evidence of such assumption; (2) termination of separate insurance of all assumed deposits at the end of six months from the effective date; and (3) notification of such assumption by the assuming bank to each of the depositors of the assumed bank. Title IV: Conflicts of Interest - Depository Institutions Conflict of Interest Act - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, the Federal Reserve Act and the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to prohibit specified Presidential-appointee bank regulatory agency heads and members of such agencies from being employed for a period of two years after they leave office by institutions under their regulatory jurisdiction or with a holding company affiliate. Title V: Credit Union Restructuring - Reorganizes the National Credit Union Administration and places it under the management of the National Credit Union Administration Board. Directs the chairperson of such Board to represent the Administration in its official relations with other branches of Government. Requires each Federal credit union to pay the Administration an annual operating fee and to make annual financial reports to the Board. Title VI: Change in Bank Control Act - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to prohibit any person from acquiring any insured bank unless the appropriate Federal banking agency has been notified and has not issued a notice of its disapproval within a specified time period. Prescribes the procedure to be followed by any agency in making its determination to approve or deny such change of control. Title VII: Change in Savings and Loan Control Act - Amends the National Housing Act to prohibit any person from acquiring control of any federally insured savings and loan association unless the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has been notified and has not issued a notice of its disapproval within a specified time period. Prescribes the procedure to be followed by the Corporation in making its determination to approve or deny such change of control. Requires any insured institution to disclose any loan secured, or to be secured, by 25 percent or more of the outstanding voting stock of an insured institution to the Corporation. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Title. Title VIII: Correspondent Accounts - Prohibits the extension of credit to any officer, director, or specified stockholders of a bank which has a correspondent relationship with the lending bank, in its own name or in the name of another bank, unless such loan does not: (1) involve more than the normal risk of repayment; (2) include unusual terms of interest or collateral; or (3) present any other unfavorable features. Prohibits the establishment of a correspondent account where a loan already has been made to any officer, director, or specified stockholders of the bank desiring to open the account. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Title. Title IX: Disclosure of Material Facts - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to list information which must be included in an annual report to be made by each insured bank to the appropriate Federal banking agency. Title X: Federal Bank Examination Council - Federal Bank Examination Council Act - Establishes a Bank Examination Council to prescribe uniform principles and standards for the Federal examination of financial institutions. Directs the Council to make recommendations for uniformity in other supervisory matters, including classification of loans subject to risk and identification of financial institutions in need of special supervisory attention. Requires the Council to establish a liaison committee composed of five representatives of State supervisory agencies in order to encourage the application of uniform examination principles and standards by State and Federal supervisory agencies. Title XI: Right to Financial Privacy - Right to Financial Privacy Act - Prohibits any Government official from obtaining copies of, access to, or the information contained in, the financial records of any customer from a financial institution unless such records are described with particularity and: (1) such customer has authorized such disclosure in accordance with this Act; (2) such records are disclosed in response to an administrative subpena or summons; (3) such records are disclosed in response to a court order; (4) such records are disclosed in response to a judicial subpena; or (5) such financial records are disclosed in response to a formal written request meeting specified requirements. States that no financial institution may provide to a Government official copies of or the information contained in the financial records of any customer except in accordance with the requirements of this Act. Sets forth provisions governing customer authorization, administrative subpenas and summons, judicial subpenas, and search warrants. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violation of the provisions of this Title. Title XII: Charters for Thrift Institutions - Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to authorize the Home Loan Bank Board to provide for the organization, chartering operation, and regulation of associations to be known as Federal Savings and Loan Associations or Federal mutual savings banks. Subjects converting mutual savings banks to the requirements of existing State law pertaining to discrimination in the extension of home mortgage loans if the State requirements are more stringent than Federal laws and regulations. Establishes a five year shared risk program in the event that a converting institution fails. Title XIII: Holding Companies - Prohibits bank mergers or acquisitions by bank holding companies if such transactions would result in a monopoly, furtherance of a combination or conspiracy to monopolize, or substantially lessen competition in any section of the country unless such anticompetitive effects are clearly outweighed in the public interest by the probable effect of the transaction in meeting the convenience and needs of the community to be served. Prohibits such transactions if the appropriate regulatory agency finds that as a result of such a transaction any one bank or holding company will control more than 20 percent of the banking assets held by banks in the States in which such bank or holding company is located. Excepts from such 20 percent prohibition a transaction which the appropriate agency finds to be immediately necessary to prevent the probable failure of a bank and a less anticompetitive alternative is not available. Gives the appropriate agency discretion to prohibit such a transaction even if it is not disallowed by any other part of this Act if it is found to have probable adverse effects on competition or market concentration which are not clearly outweighed by the public interest. Prohibits any national bank from engaging in any activity which the Board finds to be an improper activity for bank holding companies in general, or the holding company owning the bank in question, in particular. Requires bank holding companies and their subsidiaries to be capitalized in a safe and sound manner and to refrain from discriminating in making loans in favor of their parent holding company or their affiliated subsidiaries. Requires regular reports to the Board dealing with all intercompany loans. Sets forth procedures for administration of this Act and for judicial review. Gives to any interested person the right to petition the Board to commence a proceeding to consider the issuance, amendment, or revocation of a regulation promulgated here under. Title XIV: Amendments to the National Banking Laws - Makes changes with respect to the following: (1) the power of national banks to purchase, hold, and convey real property; (2) the trust powers of national banks; (3) the emergency restrictions on Federal Reserve banks; and (4) examination of foreign operations of State member banks. Title XV: Termination of National Bank Closed Receivership Fund - Directs the Comptroller of the Currency to disburse the liquidating dividends from national banks closed on or before January 22, 1934, held by the Comptroller in the capacity as successor to receivers of those banks. Title XVI: Transaction Accounts - Permits any depository institution chartered by the Federal Home Loan Bank Board and located in a State which authorizes State-chartered institutions insured by the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation to offer transaction accounts permitting withdrawals or transfers of account on negotiable, transferable, or nonnegotiable check, order, or authorization, as determined by the Board, to offer comparable services to the extent authorized by the Board. Title XVII: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date for this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1978
Electronic Fund Transfer Act - Requires the issuers of debit instruments designed to make payments and effect transfers through electronic terminals to do the following: (1) disclose a customer's rights and obligations when an account is opened and when there is a change of terms; (2) make available to the customer a written receipt of every transaction at electronic funds transfer terminals; and (3) furnish a monthly statement to each customer identifying all transactions. Provides a procedure for the correction of account errors. Excuses a customer of liability for unauthorized use of his debit instrument unless the debit instrument issuer can establish customer fraud or negligence. Sets forth liability for system malfunction. Provides civil liability for willful violation of this Act and criminal liability for fraudulent use of debit instruments. Makes bank regulatory agencies and the Federal Trade Commission responsible for administrative enforcement of the terms of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1978
Electronic Fund Transfer Act - Requires the issuers of debit instruments designed to make payments and effect transfers through electronic terminals to do the following: (1) disclose a customer's rights and obligations when an account is opened and when there is a change of terms; (2) make available to the customer a written receipt of every transaction at electronic funds transfer terminals; and (3) furnish a monthly statement to each customer identifying all transactions. Provides a procedure for the correction of account errors. Excuses a customer of liability for unauthorized use of his debit instrument unless the debit instrument issuer can establish customer fraud or negligence. Sets forth liability for system malfunction. Provides civil liability for willful violation of this Act and criminal liability for fraudulent use of debit instruments. Makes bank regulatory agencies and the Federal Trade Commission responsible for administrative enforcement of the terms of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1978
Directs the Secretary of Commerce to issue to a certain merchant mariner specified decorations in recognition of such seaman's service during World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1978
Electronic Fund Transfer Act - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to add the following title: Title IX: Electronic Fund Transfers. Prohibits any financial institution from engaging in any transaction with a customer by means of an electronic terminal without first clearly disclosing to the customer all terms and conditions governing such transfer. States that such disclosure shall include: the rights, duties, and liabilities of both the account holder and institution involved; the types of transfers the consumer may make; and the consumer's ability to authorize another to initiate transfers. Requires a financial institution to give the customer 31 days notice prior to changing any of the terms of the agreement. States that the consumer must receive a receipt for each transfer affecting the consumer's account at the time of the transfer. Requires financial institutions to provide consumers with a periodic statement for each EFT account. Allows the making of preauthorized transfers only by written authorization from the consumer which shall be revokable at will at any time up to three business days preceding the scheduled transfer. Permits a consumer to reverse a transfer in the amount of $50 or more to a third party. Sets forth a procedure for the resolution of errors which calls for prompt investigation of errors and reply to the consumer. States that if a court finds that a financial institution willfully reported to a consumer that his account was correct when such a conclusion could not reasonably be drawn, such institution shall be liable for treble damages. Limits a consumer's liability (in the event of an unauthorized cash transfer) to the lesser of $50 or the amount of money obtained. Holds a financial institution liable to a consumer for any unauthorized transfer in excess of $50. Makes exceptions to such rule in the case of an improper or incorrect transfer if the error was caused by a technical malfunction beyond the control of the institution. Suspends the consumer's obligation to make payment when a technical malfunction prevents the transfer of funds to a third party who has agreed to accept payment by means of an EFT. Prohibits the conditioning of employment, government benefits, or the extension of credit on the consumer's use of EFT's. Restricts the disclosure of information regarding EFT's. Prohibits any agreement which would deprive a consumer of any right granted under this Act. Sets forth the formula for the determination of civil liability for violations of this Act. States that any person who willfully and knowingly gives false or inaccurate information, fails to provide information which is required to be disclosed, or otherwise fails to comply with any provision of this title shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned not more than a year, or both. Places the enforcement of this title in the case of national banks, Federal Reserve member banks, insured banks, Federal savings and loan associations, and Federal credit unions with their respective regulatory agencies. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to enforce the requirements of this title in all other cases. Directs the Board and the Attorney General to make reports to Congress concerning the administration of their functions under this title. Exempts persons from the laws of any State with respect to EFT's only to the extent that those laws are inconsistent with any of the terms of this Title.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1978
Federal Reserve Membership Act - Amends the Federal Reserve Act to direct the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to prepare and publish a schedule of fees for its services and a set of pricing principles no later than July 1, 1979, and to put a fee schedule into effect no later than July 1, 1980. Directs the Board to pay interest on those reserves which member banks are required to maintain at a rate not in excess of the rate paid on United States Treasury bills with maturities of three months. Requires that the Board prepare a study on the feasibility and impact of permitting member banks to invest a percentage of their required reserves in United States Treasury securities.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1978
Solar Photovoltaic Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act - Requires the Secretary of Energy to develop research, development, and demonstration programs concerning the use of solar photovoltaic energy systems. Authorizes the Secretary to provide up to 75 percent of the purchase and installation costs of selected systems used for research purposes. Requires the Secretary to formulate definitive performance criteria concerning solar photovoltaic systems and to develop a system certification for conforming systems. Directs the Secretary to consult with relevant Federal agencies concerning the use of solar photovoltaic systems in Federal facilities. Requires the Secretary to set up a development and demonstration program of prototype photovoltaic systems at the Solar Energy Research Institute in Golden, Colorado. Directs the Secretary to establish a solar energy data bank at the Golden facility. Requires relevant Federal officials to ensure that small business concerns are granted realistic and adequate opportunities to participate, to the maximum extent possible, in the programs under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1978
Housing and Community Development Amendments - Title I: Community and Neighborhood Development and Conservation - Amends the Housing Act of 1964 to extend the rehabilitation loan program through fiscal year 1979. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to extend the Urban Homesteading program through fiscal year 1979. Changes the requirements for application and eligibility for assistance under the Community Development Block Grant program. Title II: Housing Assistance Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make, and contract to make, assistance payments to owners of housing projects insured under the National Housing Act and assisted under rent supplement programs on an annual basis. Permits payments to be made only if such payments are necessary to restore or maintain the economic soundess of the project and to maintain its low-to-moderate-income character. Amends the Housing Act of 1959 to set aside a specified amount of the funds appropriated for housing for the handicapped to be made available for loans for the development of rented housing and related facilities specifically designed to meet the needs of handicapped (primarily non-elderly) persons. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to authorize funds to be appropriated for annual contributions for low-income housing projects through fiscal year 1978. Authorizes the Secretary to make assistance payment to low-income families for the rental of real property on which is located a mobile home which is owned by such family and used by it as a principal residence. Title III: Program Amendments and Extensions - Amends the National Housing Act to extend specified Federal Housing Administration insurance programs including the following: (1) housing renovation and modernization; (2) general insurance authorization; (3) housing for moderate income and displaced families; (4) membership in cooperative associations for lower income families; (5) rental housing for low-income families; (6) coinsurance of mortgages; (7) experimental housing; (8) armed services housing; (9) group practice facilities and medical practice facilities; (10) new communities; and (11) crime and riot reinsurance. Permits the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure, on a permanent basis, mortgages and loans with provisions for varying rates of amortization through fiscal year 1979. Extends the Emergency Home Purchase Assistance program through fiscal year 1979. Amends the Housing Act of 1954 to authorize appropriations for comprehensive planning for urban and rural development through fiscal year 1979. Calls for triennial, instead of biennial, review of the comprehensive plans developed by recipients of assistance under such Act. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970 to extend research authorizations through fiscal year 1979. Authorizes the Secretary of such Department to conduct demonstrations to determine the feasiblity of expanding home ownership opportunities in urban areas including encouraging the conversion of multifamily housing properties to cooperative or condominium ownership by individuals and families. Amends the National Flood Insurance Act to extend the National Flood Insurance program and flood insurance through fiscal year 1979. Authorizes the Secretary to bid on specified properties which are not insured under the National Housing Act at foreclosure sales. Amends the National Housing Act to extend mortgage insurance to nonresident care facilities. Changes the eligiblity requirements for condominium mortgage insurance under the National Housing Act. Amends the National Housing Act to increase the authorization of appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for losses sustained by the General Insurance fund. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure loans for the acquisition of fee simple title to residential property from lessors beyond limits established by the National Housing Act, if such property is located in Hawaii. Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to authorize the establishment of more than one day care facility for the children of employees of such Department. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1969 to remove certain restrictions on the purchase or lease of surplus real property for use in providing housing for low- and moderate-income families and individuals. Amends the National Housing Act to increase: (1) the total amount of purchase authority of the Government National Mortgage Association; and (2) the limits on the amounts of principal obligations of various classes of mortgages which such Association may purchase. Title IV: Rural Housing - Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to extend the following housing programs until September 30, 1979: (1) low-income repair loans and grants; (2) low rent housing for domestic farm labor; (3) rural rental housing loans; (4) rural housing loans; and (5) mutual self-help housing loans and grants. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study of housing which is available for migrant and settled farmworkers. Requires the adequate written notification of the reasons for which such assistance was denied be given to anyone who has applied for and been denied rural housing assistance. Removes the limitation on the amounts authorized to be appropriated for the low-income repair program and the mutual self-help housing program. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide additional assistance to persons receiving aid for rural housing under the interest credit program who are unable to afford a dwelling. Prescribes the formula for determining the amount of such additional assistance. Provides for the recapture of all or a portion of the assistance rendered upon the disposition or nonoccupancy of the property by the borrower. Title V: Congregate Services - Congregate Housing Services Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to enter into contracts with public housing agencies for the establishment of congregate housing projects which are supplemented by supportive services for frail and physically impaired residents. Requires assisted public housing authorities to maintain any financial effort they are making in furtherance of congregate services prior to contract authority approval, unless the Secretary waives such requirement. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to permit the provisions of congregate services in existing public housing. Makes provisions for the administration of services and requires assisted public housing agencies to employ elderly and physically disabled residents to the maximum extent practicable. Sets forth application procedures, requirements for eligibility for services, and rules for the setting of fees for congregate services. Directs assisted public housing agencies to review this program with eligible residents and with the professional assessment committee within the 12-month period prior to the submission of an application for renewed funding. Title VI: Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation - Establishes the National Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation. Opens all meetings of the board to public observation unless a board majority votes to close a specific meeting. Empowers the Corporation to continue the work of the Urban Reinvestment Task Force in establishing neighborhood housing services programs, in providing grants and technical assistance to selected neighborhood preservation projects, and in supporting Neighborhood Housing Services of America. Requires the Corporation, in making grants, to determine reporting and management restrictions or requirements on recipients and to assure that recipients make information necessary to determine compliance with Federal laws available to the Corporation. Authorizes specified Federal departments and Federal banks to provide services to the Corporation with or without reimbursement. Directs the Corporation to publish an annual report to the President and the Congress. Requires an annual audit of the Corporation. Requires the Corporation to prepare annual business-type budgets for submission to the Office of Management and Budget. Requires inclusion of such budget as part of the President's annual budget to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1978
Extends the authority to make veterans readjustment appointments of Vietnam era veterans to the Federal Government through September 30, 1980. Abolishes the time limitation on eligibility for such appointments for veterans eligible on April 9, 1970, or who were separated from the armed services on or after such date. Raises the maximum level for such appointments from GS-5 to GS-7. Provides that any disabled veteran shall be eligible for such appointment without regard to certain existing limitations on the amount of education a veteran may have to be eligible for such an appointment.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1978
Increases from $250 to $350 the burial and funeral expense allowance which may be paid by the Veterans' Administration on behalf of certain deceased veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1978
Provides for a burial allowance of $150 to be paid by the Veterans' Administration: (1) to any State or political subdivision thereof for burying a veteran in any cemetery owned by the State or subdivision if such cemetery or section thereof is used solely for the interment of veterans; or (2) to a person prescribed by the deceased veteran if burial is in a cemetery other than the kind described.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1978
Directs the Secretary of Defense to place a memorial plaque in the Trophy Hall of the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery to pay tribute to those members of the armed force who served in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam era. Directs the Secretary, to honor those members who lost their lives in Southeast Asia, to display near such plaque the medals, ribbons, and decorations associated with service in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam era.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1978
Removes the requirement that a veteran die in the service in order to be entitled to a memorial headstone or marker when the veteran's remains have not been recovered or identified or have been buried at sea.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1978
Veterans' Disability Compensation and Survivor Benefits Act - Title I: Veterans' Disability Compensation Rates - Increases the rates of disability compensation for disabled veterans. Title II: Survivors' Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Rates - Increases the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of disabled veterans. Provides for an additional increase in dependency and indemnity compensation to a surviving spouse who is permanently housebound but ineligible for aid and attendance allowance. Provides for retroactive dependency and indemnification compensation to children whose entitlement is established after such compensation has already been awarded to a veteran's other children. Reduces supplemental dependency and indemnity compensation for certain 18-year-old children considered below such age for purposes of additional dependency and indemnity compensation to a surviving spouse. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions and Effective Date - Provides for retroactive tax exemption of retirement compensation paid to specified veterans who are also eligible for veterans' pensions upon filing of a waiver of such retirement compensation. Provides for retroactive war veterans pensions to children whose entitlement is established after such compensation has already been awarded to a veteran's other children.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1978
Increases the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the parents of veterans who died in active military service or from a service-connected disability. Increases the monthly rate of wartime death compensation payable to a widow or dependent parent if the payee is a patient in a nursing home or helpless or blind.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1978
Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay dependency and indemnity compensation to the survivors of any veteran who was rated totally and permanently service-connected disabled for at least ten years, as though the cause of death were service-connected.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1978
Amends the veterans' aid and attendance compensation payment system to provide a second-step allowance at an increased rate of $900 per month for veterans in need of constant medical aid and attendance.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1978
Reduces from 50 percent to 40 percent the minimum disability rating necessary for a veteran entitled to wartime disability compensation to receive additional compensation for dependents.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1978
Repeals the requirement, under the Social Security Amendments of 1977, that the amount of monthly benefits payable to a spouse or surviving spouse under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act be reduced by the amount such spouse or surviving spouse receives monthly payments from a Federal or State pension fund.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1978
Expresses the insistence of the House of Representatives that the Government of the Republic of Korea cooperate with a certain investigation of the House of Representatives Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. Declares that failure of the Government to cooperate with such investigation will have a negative impact on relations between the United States and the Republic of Korea, including assistance for the latter country.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1978
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Communications Commission should maximize local primary radio broadcast service in any proceeding respecting the provision of class I-A and I-B radio service. Prohibits the operation of a standard broadcast station with power in excess of 50,000 watts.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 1977
Truth in Lending Simplification Act - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to exempt transactions involving extensions of credit for agricultural purposes. Defines the finance charge as the sum of all charges imposed upon and payable by the consumer for the extension of credit. Requires the itemizing of finance charges except in the case of the sale of a dwelling or a consumer loan secured by a first lien. Amends the Truth in Lending Act by requiring from both consumer and creditor, statements indicating a security interest is taken and general descriptions of any other property which is the subject of or is in connection with extension of credit not under an open end credit plan. Requires the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to provide readily understandable model forms and clauses to facilitate compliance with disclosure requirements. States that no civil or criminal liability applies for failure to make disclosure if the creditor utilized these model forms or clauses in good faith. Redefines the disclosure requirements to comply with the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1977
Amends the National Trails System Act of 1968 to re-establish the advisory council on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, to limit such council's existence to ten years, and to reduce the term of council members from five to two years. Increases the limitations on acreage which may be acquired for rights-of-way and by condemnation proceedings along the Appalachian Trail without the consent of the owner from 25 acres in any one mile to at least 25 acres but not more than 125 acres within any one mile. Increases from $5,000,000 to $35,000,000 the authorization of appropriations for acquisition of lands for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1977
Truth in Lending Simplification Act - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to exempt transactions involving extensions of credit for agricultural purposes. Defines the finance charge as the sum of all charges imposed upon and payable by the consumer for the extension of credit. Requires the itemizing of finance charges except in the case of the sale of a dwelling or a consumer loan secured by a first lien. Amends the Truth in Lending Act by requiring from both consumer and creditor statements indicating a security interest is taken and general descriptions of any other property which is the subject of or is connected with extension of credit not under an open end credit plan. Requires the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to provide readily understandable model forms and clauses to facilitate compliance with disclosure requirements. States that no civil or criminal liability applies for failure to make disclosure if the creditor utilized these model forms or clauses in good faith. Redefines the disclosure requirements to comply with the provisions of this Act. States that whoever maliciously or in bad faith institutes a civil proceeding under this Act is liable for damages.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1977
Expresses the sense of the Congress that any right to, title to, or interest in the property of the United States Government agencies in the Panama Canal Zone or any real property and improvements thereon located in the zone should not be conveyed, relinquished, or otherwise disposed of to any foreign government without specific authorization of such conveyance, relinquishment, or other disposition by any Act of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1977
Right to Financial Privacy Act - States that the purposes of this Act are to protect and preserve the confidential relationship between financial institutions and their customers and the constitutional rights of those customers, and to promote commerce by prescribing policies and procedures to insure that customers have the same right to protection against unwarranted disclosure of customer records as if the records were in their possession. Prohibits any Federal agency or employee, or any State or local government, from obtaining copies of, access to, or the information contained in, the financial records of any customer from a financial institution unless such records are described with particularity and: (1) such customer has authorized such disclosure in accordance with this Act; (2) such records are disclosed in response to an administrative subpena or summons; (3) such records are disclosed in response to a court order; or (4) such records are disclosed in response to a judicial subpena. States that no financial institution may provide to a Federal agency or employee, or to any State or local government, copies of or the information contained in the financial records of any customer except in accordance with the requirements of this Act. Sets forth provisions governing customer authorization, administrative subpenas and summons, and judicial subpenas. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violation of the provisions of this Title.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to guarantee securities and obligations issued by a railroad in reorganization to State and local taxing authorities to secure the railroad's tax obligations when the Consolidated Rail Corporation, the United States Railway Association, or the Federal Government asserts a superior interest in payment out of the estate of such railroad during reorganization or liquidation proceedings under the Bankruptcy Act. Directs the Secretary, if sufficient funds are unavailable to discharge such guarantees, to issue notes or other obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to sell such olbigations. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to discharge all of the Secretary of Transportation's obligations under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1977
GI Bill Improvements Act - Title I: GI Bill Rate Increases - Increases the rates of educational assistance, vocational rehabilitation subsistence, survivors' and dependents' educational assistance, flight training, correspondence course, and on-the-job training assistance allowances, and of education loans. Title II: Educational Assistance Program Adjustments - Excludes from the computation, pursuant to the "85-15" rule, of the percentage of students in a course who are receiving Government educational assistance those students whose fees are paid by Federal agencies other than the Veterans' Administration. Exempts from the two-year minimum period of operation rule courses offered on or immediately adjacent to a military base which are available to civilians as well as to active duty military personnel and their dependents, but only when such courses are offered outside the United States. Permits waiver of the two-year minimum period of operation rule for courses offered by branches or extensions of specified educational institutions where the Administrator finds it to be in the best interest of the eligible veteran and the Federal Government. Authorizes the Administrator to permit a person's educational progress to extend a reasonable time beyond the approved length of time without being declared unsatisfactory progress. Lowers from 30 percent to ten percent the disability rating necessary to qualify a disabled veteran for employment and training assistance. Title III: Effective Date - Makes October 1, 1977, the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1977
Denies veterans' benefits retroactively to any individual whose entitlement is based on an upgraded discharge under specified revised standards not made applicable to all persons administratively discharged or released from active military service under less than honorable conditions. Requires the board of review to make a separate determination whether an upgraded individual would have been awarded an upgraded discharge under discharge review standards made applicable to all persons administratively discharged under less than honorable conditions. Entitles to veterans' benefits any individual whose upgraded discharge would have been awarded under previous unrevised review standards. Denies, as of the date of enactment, benefits for any disability incurred or aggravated during a period of service from which a veteran was discharged by reason of a bad conduct discharge. States that the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs should promulgate any new or revised regulations providing any unique or special advantage to veterans who have received upgraded discharges under revised standards, or otherwise make any special distinction between such veterans and other veterans. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should take all necessary action to provide that less than honorable discharges and releases of former members of the Armed Forces with respect to any period of war be reviewed under specified revised standards, if they have not been so reviewed previously.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1977
Limits the power of any United States court to issue school transportation orders based on race, color, or national origin. Stipulates that only a three judge district court may issue a school assignment order based on race, color, or national origin. Requires the holding of a special hearing where specific findings in relation to such a constitutional violation must be made before a school assignment order may issue. Stays such school assignment orders until all appeals have been exhausted.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1977
Denies veterans' benefits retroactively to any individual whose entitlement is based on an upgraded discharge under specified revised standards not made applicable to all persons administratively discharged or released from active service under less than honorable conditions. Requires the board of review to make a separate determination whether an upgraded individual would have been awarded an upgraded discharge under discharge review standards made applicable to all persons administratively discharged under less than honorable conditions. Entitles to veterans' benefits any individual whose upgraded discharge would have been awarded under previous unrevised review standards. Denies benefits as of the date of enactment for any disability incurred or aggravated during a period of service from which a veteran was discharged by reason of a bad conduct discharge. States that the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs should not promulgate any new or revised regulations providing any unique or special advantage to veterans who have received upgraded discharges under revised standards, or otherwise make any special distinction between such veterans and other veterans. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should take all necessary action to provide that less than honorable discharges and releases of former members of the Armed Forces with respect to any period of war be reviewed under specified revised standards, if they have not been so reviewed previously.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1977
Requests the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to hasten the assembly of data and expedite the reviews and consideration precedent to the introduction of sodium valproate for the treatment of epilepsy in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1977
Declares it the sense of the House of Representatives that the Attorney General should appoint a special prosecutor to serve in the Department of Justice to investigate and prepare prosecutions with respect to illegal acts to obtain influence for foreign governments from Federal elected or nonelected officials.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1977
Declares it the sense of the House of Representatives that the Government of the United States should maintain its rights and jurisdiction over the Panama Canal and the Panama Canal Zone.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1977
Increases the rates of vocational rehabilitation, educational assistance, and special training allowances paid to eligible veterans. Increases the allowance for administrative expenses incurred by State and local agencies administering these programs.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1977
National Weatherization Act - Title I: Utility Program - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to promote the voluntary submission by a State to the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration of a residential energy conservation plan for utilities in such State. Requires such plan to direct utilities to implement a program informing residential customers of suggested measures for saving home heating and cooling costs. Permits the Administrator to require a regulated or unregulated utility in a State to offer such program upon the Administrator's determination that such State has not offered such plan for approval or implemented such plan. Title II: Weatherization Grants for the Benefit of Low-Income Families - Amends the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976 to permit a raise in the eligible income level for weatherization grants to low-income families. Expands the definition of the term "weatherization materials" in such Act to include additional devices and technologies. Limits the amount of financial assistance available under such Act that may be spent on weatherization materials and specified accompanying costs. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a weatherization program financing the installation of weatherization materials in farm residences occupied by low-income people. Title III: Secondary Financing and Loan Insurance for Energy Conserving Improvements - Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to direct the Federal National Mortgage Association to purchase loans insured under the National Housing Act and made to low- and moderate-income families for the installation of energy conserving improvements in residences owned by such families. Permits the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure a loan for the installation of energy conserving improvements. Specifies the eligibility conditions of such loan. Allows the Government National Mortgage Association to have standby authority to purchase loans for energy-conserving improvements. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Permits the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to enter into annual contributions contracts for low-income projects to finance the installation of energy- conserving improvements. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to promote the use of energy saving techniques through minimum property standards established for new rural residential housing assisted under the Housing Act of 1949. Amends the National Housing Act to permit specified increased amounts of assistance if such increase results from increased cost of a residence or project due to the installation of a solar energy system. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to conduct a study for determining the necessity of a mandatory Federal requirement that all residential dwelling units meet energy efficient standards.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1977
Stipulates that the recalling to duty and assignment on a full-time basis of any retired member of the armed forces to the American Battle Monuments Commission shall not be chargeable against the authorized end strengths and grade limitations of the Department of Defense or the military departments concerned nor to any administrative ceiling established by the Secretary of Defense.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1977
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to assist in acquiring specially adapted housing for those veterans who have a permanent and total service-connected disability due to the loss, or loss of use, of one upper and one lower extremity, such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1977
Federal Emergency Assistance and Preparedness Act - Establishes the Federal Emergency Assistance and Preparedness Administration headed by a Director who shall be a permanent member of the National Security Council. Requires the Director to establish within the Administration the Offices of Disaster Assistance, Emergency Preparedness, and Program Evaluation, and an Emergency Information Center. Requires the Administration to implement and coordinate all Federal disaster assistance and emergency preparedness programs; develop policies with respect to industrial mobilization and economic readiness for emergencies relating to the national defense, undertake research and development to improve programs under its cognizance six; and to gather data on natural, economic, and other phenomena for predicting and planning for industrial and economic mobilization and emergencies and disasters. Directs the Director to make such collected data available to the public and to provide such data to States and localities on a regular basis. Requires the heads of Federal agencies with jurisdiction over any program relating to emergency preparedness or disaster assistance to report annually to the Director on the status of such program. Requires the Director to coordinate such programs with States and localities participating in or applying for such assistance. Transfers to the Administration the functions and authorities of specified agencies respecting programs within the Administration's jurisdiction. Requires the Administration to report annually to Congress. Extends until September 30, 1980, the termination dates of specified provisions of the Federal Civil Defense Act, including those which empower the President to declare a civil defense emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1977
Veterans and Survivors Pension Adjustment Act - Title I: Veterans' and Survivors' Pensions - Increases the rates of pensions for war veterans with a non-service-connected disability, their surviving spouses and children, and increases the annual income limitations governing payment of such pensions. Title II: Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for Parents - Increases the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the parents of veterans who died in active military service. Title III: Miscellaneous and Effective Date Provisions - Increases the monthly rate of death compensation payable to a widow or dependent parent if the payee is a patient in a nursing home or helpless or blind. States that the effective date of this Act shall be January 1, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1977
International Banking Act - Amends the Federal Reserve Act to permit foreign banks to establish and operate Federal branches in any State in which it is not prohibited for a foreign bank to establish such a branch upon receipt of approval from the Comptroller of the Currency. Sets forth considerations which the Comptroller must take into account in determining whether to permit foreign banks to operate under this Act. Permits the Comptroller, in his discretion to waive specified citizenship requirements with respect to directors of associations which are subsidiaries or affiliates of foreign banks. Permits a foreign bank, with the approval of the Comptroller, to convert any branch operated pursuant to State law into a Federal branch or agency. Terminates the authority to operate a Federal Federal branch when (1) the parent bank voluntarily relinquishes it; (2) the parent bank is dissolved; (3) the Comptroller has reasonable cause to believe that a foreign bank has not complied with the provisions of this Act and revokes the authority to operate a Federal branch; or (4) when a conservator is appointed for such foreign bank. Prohibits any branch from accepting deposits of United States citizens, residents, or businesses whose principal place of business is in the United States unless the branch maintains a surety bond or pledge of assets with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Sets forth the assets which foreign banks are required to keep or deposit before the Federal branch may accept deposits of United States residents or businesses. Prohibits foreign banks from retaining interests in non-banking companies or from participating in non-banking activities with specified exceptions. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury (1) to issue guidelines with respect to the entry of foreign banking organizations into banking in the United States; and (2) to assist Federal and State banking agencies in acting on applications for the establishment of branches by foreign banks. Requires each foreign bank that maintains an office other than a branch in an State to register with the Secretary of the Treasury; the Secretary of State, and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Makes provisions for the enforcement of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1977
Federal Emergency Assistance and Preparedness Act - Establishes the Federal Emergency Assistance and Preparedness Administration headed by a Director who shall be a permanent member of the National Security Council. Requires the Director to establish within the Administration the Offices of Disaster Assistance, Emergency Preparedness, and Program Evaluation, and an Emergency Information Center. Requires the Administration to implement and coordinate all Federal disaster assistance and emergency preparedness programs; develop policies with respect to industrial mobilization and economic readiness for emergencies relating to the national defense, undertake research and development to improve programs under its cognizance; to gather data on natural, economic, and other phenomena for predicting and planning for industrial and economic mobilization and emergencies and disasters. Directs the Director to make such collected data available to the public and to provide such data to States and localities on a regular basis. Requires the heads of Federal agencies with jurisdiction over any program relating to emergency preparedness or disaster assistance to report annually to the Director on the status of such program. Requires the Director to coordinate such programs with States and localities participating in or applying for such assistance. Transfers to the Administration the functions and authorities of specified agencies respecting programs within the Administration's jurisdiction. Requires the Administration to report annually to Congress. Extends until September 30, 1980, the termination dates of specified provisions of the Federal Civil Defense Act, including those which empower the President to declare a civil defense emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1977
Authorizes the President of the United States to designate the week beginning on the Sunday preceding the fourth Thursday in November of each year as "National Family Week".
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Housing and Community Development Act - Title I: Community Development Amendments - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to include the alleviation of physical and economic distress through private investment and community revitalization among the objectives of such Act. Defines additional terms including "age of housing" and "extent of growth lag." Authorizes funds to be appropriated for the purpose of making grants to States and units of local governments to help finance community development programs, not to exceed: $3,500,000,000 for fiscal year 1978; $3,650,000,000 for fiscal year 1979; and $3,800,000,000 for fiscal year 1980. Limits amounts of appropriated funds which may be used to aid metropolitan cities, urban counties, and other units of local government within metropolitan areas to meet their hold-harmless needs. Authorizes funds not to exceed $400,000,000, to be appropriated for each of the fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980 for the purpose of assisting severely distressed cities that require supplemental grant assistance in order to alleviate excessive deterioration through neighborhood reclamation and community revitalization. Changes specified application and review requirements for such grants. Includes among activities eligible for assistance under this Act: (1) the financing of public or private acquisition for purposes or rehabilitation; and (2) activities carried out by public or private nonprofit entities which are necessary or appropriate to meeting the needs and objectives of approved community development plans. Sets forth the formulae which the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development must follow in order to determine the amount to be allocated to each metropolitan city and urban county and the distribution of remaining funds. Extends, by three years, the period during which funds will be reserved for use by the Secretary to make grants at his discretion. Increases, by one percent, the amount of funds to be reserved from the total amount appropriated for Community Development Programs. Removes the Secretary's authority to guarantee loans for acquisition of property with respect to grants to States and units of local government to help finance Community Development Programs. Authorizes the Secretary to make urban development action grants to severely distressed cities to help alleviate physical and economic deterioration through community revitalization in areas of population out-migration or stagnating or declining tax base. Reserves urban development action grants only to those cities that have demonstrated results in providing housing for persons of low- and moderate-income and in providing equal opportunity in housing and employment for low- and moderate-income persons and members of minority groups. Lists information to be included in applications for such grants, including a description of a concentrated Urban Development Action Program. Directs the Secretary to establish criteria to be followed in selecting cities to be recipients of such grants. Requires annual reviews and audits of grant recipients. Amends the Housing Act of 1964 to extend the rehabilitation loan program through fiscal year 1979. Authorizes $60,000,000 to be appropriated for fiscal year 1978. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1978 for comprehensive planning under the Housing Act of 1954, of which funds 20 percent shall be made available for planning grants. Title II: Housing Authorizations - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to increase the limit on funds that are authorized to be appropriated for contracts for annual contributions to low-income housing projects in 1977. Sets forth the limitation on funds authorized to be appropriated for the purpose of providing annual contributions for the operation of such projects. Prohibits the Secretary from entering into contracts for specified dwelling units after the enactment of this Act. Makes provisions for the assumption of maintenance responsibilities of existing units. Amends the National Housing Act to increase the maximum mortgage amounts under the Federal Housing Administration's multifamily mortgage insurance programs including the homeownership program. Changes the eligibility requirements for mortgage insurance under the National Housing Act by decreasing downpayment requirements. Permits the Secretary to increase mortgage insurance premiums for cooperative housing projects. Extends additional assistance payments for low-income rental projects which achieve 50 percent occupancy. Permits the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure, on a permanent basis, mortgages and loans with provisions of varying rates of amortization. States that the principal obligation of such mortgages insured may not exceed 97 percent of the appraised value of the property covered by the mortgage. Exempts such insured mortgages from State laws limiting the amount of interest which may be charged. Amends the National Housing Act to increase the allowable maximum mortgage amount and the term of maturity for mortgage credit assistance. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated to reimburse the housing loan funds for properties transferred under the urban homesteading program. Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to authorize funds, not to exceed $108,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and such sums as are necessary for each fiscal year thereafter, for flood insurance studies. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970 to authorize funds not to exceed $65,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 for specified research and demonstration projects. Increases the limits on amounts of conventional mortgages which may be purchased by the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation pursuant to the National Housing Act. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to prohibit the Secretary from applying new administrative policies in derogation of the rights (including the right of renewal) of an owner under specified leases. Amends the Housing Act of 1959 to direct the Secretary to issue and implement regulations for the efficient coordination of application processing for specified loans for housing for elderly and handicapped families. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary to insure mortgages in any community where the Secretary determines among, other things that: (1) temporary adverse economic conditions exist throughout the community as a direct and primary result of outstanding claims to ownership of land in the community by an American Indian tribe, band, or Nation; (2) as a direct result of the community's temporarily impaired economic condition, owner occupants of homes in the community have been involuntarily unemployed or underemployed and have thus incurred substantial reductions in income which significantly impair their ability to continue timely payment of their mortgages; and (3) as a result, widespread mortgage foreclosures and distress sales of homes are likely in the community. Title III: Program Extensions - Amends the National Housing Act to extend specified Federal Housing Administration insurance programs including the following: (1) housing renovation and modernization; (2) general insurance authorization; (3) housing for moderate income and displaced families; (4) membership in cooperative associations for lower income families; (5) rental housing for low-income families; (6) coinsurance of mortgages; (7) experimental housing; (8) armed services housing; (9) group practice facilities and medical practice facilities; and (10) new communities. Extends the authority of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to grant flexible interest rates for specified mortgage insurance programs. Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to extend the national flood insurance program until September 30, 1978. Extends, by one year, the Emergency Home Purchase Assistance Act and the new community program. Title IV: Lending Powers in Federal Savings and Loan Association - Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933 to extend the lending authority of Federal Savings and Loan Associations for the following: (1) construction loans; (2) single family dwelling loans; (3) property improvement loans; and (4) multifamily dwelling loans. Makes conforming amendments to the Federal Home Loan Bank Act. Title V: National Urban Policy - National Urban Policy and New Community Development Act- Amends the Urban Growth and New Community Development Act of 1970 to change its emphasis from urban "growth" to "development and redevelopment." Makes changes in the contents of the President's national urban policy report. Title VI: Rural Housing - Authorizes appropriations for specified rural housing programs. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to make changes in the guaranteed housing loan program. Authorizes prepayment of taxes and insurance by Farmers Home Administration borrowers without requiring that such funds are held in escrow. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make expenditures from the Rural Housing Insurance Fund in order to correct construction defects or to pay claims of the owner of property arising from such defects. Redefines the term "domestic farm labor" for purposes of farm housing loans and grants to include specified laborers in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Sets forth eligibility requirements for farm housing assistance for elderly or handicapped persons or families. Extends the program for rural housing loans for elderly and handicapped families to include congregate housing facilities for families who require some supervision and central services. Requires that at least 60 percent of insured rural housing loans shall benefit persons of low income. Authorizes the Farmers Home Administration to undertake rural housing research with any public or private body. Makes it mandatory for the Secretary of Agriculture to provide rural rental assistance.
![Official portrait of Rep. Wylie, Chalmers P. [R-OH-15]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000781_200.jpg)